Grace Bible Church Sermons

Passage for reflection and meditation: Psalm 119:65-72Outline: What is fear?What is reverence? What did fear teach Jesus? What can fear teach you? Questions for Contemplation: What is God teaching you through COVID-19? What is one specific area of your life where you need to redeem fear from timidity and turn it into reverence (that is, power, love, and self-control)?

Ephesians 5:15-21Passage for reflection and meditation: 1 Peter 3:8-17Worship song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY4CW5pte98 Walk Wisely, Seizing the Day (15-16)Don’t be foolish (17)Understand God’s Will (18)Don’t just self-medicate (18a)Keep Your Spirit Filled (18b)Address one another biblically (19a)Use music constructively (19b)Give thanks always (20)Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (21)THIS is the key to winning the battle for your spirit

Passage for reflection and meditation: 1 Peter 2:1-10Worship song: With all I am - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUtJz7H_DCESermon from Ephesians 5:1-15

Ephesians 4:17-32 DON’T coast (17-20)DO connect with your new, true self (21-27)Put off the old, put on the new (21-24)Take off the mask (25a)Speak truth (25b)Develop emotional honesty (26-27)DESIRE basic integrity (28-29)DELIGHT in the Holy Spirit (30-32)

Ephesians 4:7-24 COOPERATE in God’s work of art that is you (11-13)Emphasize leadership character, not strategy - being, not doing (11-12)Embrace the Designer by embracing your design (13)GROW up and out of immaturity (14-16)Use the tools God has provided (15-16a)Care - “truthing” in loveConnect - every joint with which it is equippedContribute - each part working properlyDefine maturity correctly (16b)COMMIT to the process (4:17-5:1)

Eph. 4_1-13Encourage One Another to Walk Worthy (1)Control yourself (2)Care for others (3)Conquer self/other competition (4-6)Celebrate Grace Ascending and Descending (7-10)Build People Well So They Can Walk Worthy (11-12)Mature in Your Soul (13) - The Main Point!

Ephesians 3:14-21 IntroductionPractice Apostolic, Formational Prayer (16)Embrace an Extreme Makeover (17-18)

Ephesians 3:1-13 Explore your motivation (1-8)Bring to light the mystery of the church (9)Show God’s wisdom to principalities and powers (10-11)Align with God’s purpose (12-13)

Ephesians 2:11-22 The Essence, Function, and Form of the ChurchTHEN: Remember the Past (11-12)NOW: Get in the Present (13)HOW: Act like you believe the Gospel (14-18)WHO: Examine what you really identify with (19-22)CONCLUSION: Build people, not programs (20)

Ephesian 2:1-10 Seizing the True High GroundGetting to the Heart of the Matter Define Your B.C. Life Accurately (1-3) Delight in God’s Grace (4-7) Demonstrate More of Your Potential (8-10)

Ephesians 1:15-23 Review What God Has Done (13-14)Desire the Apostolic Dream (15-23)Seek the Right Motivation (15)Check Your Attitude (16)Bring Divine Grounding to Your Soul/Self (17-23)Seize the True High Ground [NEXT WEEK]

Eph. 1.1-14 Enter the Greatest Story Ever (1.1-14) Meet the Apostolic Link to the Ephesians (1-2) Identify the “Us” (3-12) Join the “You” (13-14) THIS IS THE KEY!!! Desire the Dream (1.15-23) [NEXT WEEK]

Acts 19.1-20 IntroductionLearn from the Origin Story (Acts 19)Stop Overemphasizing LeadersGet the Big IdeaIt’s All About: Sitting, Walking, and StandingSitting in Ephesians:Christ is seated in the heavenly realms far above principalities (1.20)Believers are already seated with Christ (2.6)WALKING in Ephesians:Don't WALK in the ways of this world (2.2)WALK in good works (2.10)WALK worthy of your calling (4.1)Don't WALK in the futility of a darkened mind (4.17)WALK in love (5.2)WALK as children of light (5.8)WALK wisely, seizing the day (5.15)Standing:Stand against principalities and powers and sustain your soul in the evil day (6.11, 6.13, 6.14)

Colossians 3:1-131. Review the Ground We’ve Covered 2. Orient Your Heart/Affections toward Heaven (1-4) A. Fight the Things That Stop You from Doing That (5-8) B. Dress for Success (9-11) 3. Change Your Heart/Affections (12-13)

Isaiah 11:1-9The Advent (Luke 2, Isaiah 11)Learn from the Child (Luke 2) Listen, Ask, Amaze, Astonish, and KNOW where you belong Become a Resting Place for God’s Spirit (Isaiah 11) 1. The Eternal Now (11.2) 2. Wisdom (11.2) 3. Understanding (11.2) 4. Counsel (11.2) 5. Power (11.2) 6. Knowledge (11.2)7. Fear (Delight in Fear) (11.2-3a)

Mathew 7:13-29 What is Authority? (ex-ousia) “out of being” ① a state of control over something, freedom of choice, right ② potential or resource to command, control, or govern, capability, might, power What is Freedom? (John 8.36) “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” BEING free from condemnation, sin, and decay.

1 John 4.7-19 Stop the Descent into Hell (Matthew 12.22-29; 43-45a)Rest with/in the TrinityGain Understanding (John 17.3)Process Well, Starting with Yourself (1 John 4.7-10)Love Others (1 John 4.11-13)Remain When the Torment WaveHas Passed (1 John 4.14-19)

Matthew 12.22-29; 38-45 1. Get the Big Point (45b) What one thing is the Spirit saying to you here? 2. Act on the Light You Have (38-42) What does acting on the light you have mean TODAY? 3. Stop the Descent into Hell (22-29; 43-45a) What troubles you about this passage?

1 Corinthians 8:1-12 1. Integrate Theory (Narrative) and Practice (Experience)2. Develop Your Theories/Narratives3. Note How Theories/Narratives Shape Your Conscience4. Beware Idolizing Your Theories/Narratives5. Keep Life Experiential, not Theoretical6. Show Restraint7. Gain Humility

Psalm 1.1-6 Frame Good and Evil Biblically (Isaiah 45.7)Put Character First (Eccl. 7.1)Learn from “Evil” Emotions (7.2-7)Practice Patience (7.8-9)Stop Idealizing the Past (7.10)[or the future]Accept ALL of Reality (7.14-15)Temper Your Obsessions and Addictions (7.16-18)Take Responsibility for Your Stinkin’ Thinkin’ (7.29)

Hebrews 2.5-18Frame Good and Evil Biblically (Isaiah 45.7) Put Character First (Eccl. 7.1) Learn from “Evil” Emotions (7.2-7) Practice Patience (7.8-9)

John 15:1-17 Good and much fruit is a result of:Being pruned by the Father (v.2)Remaining in the Vine (15:4-6)Praying in His Name (15:7,16)Loving (15:9-17) “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (Jn 15:8)

Ecclesiastes 7.1-10, 14-18, 29 Frame Good and Evil Biblically (Isaiah 45.7)Put . . .Learn . . .Practice . . .Stop . . .Accept . . .Temper . . .Take Responsibility for Your Stinkin’ Thinkin’ (7.29)

Isaiah 45.1-7, Ezekiel 18.29-32 Rest in God’s Authority (Isaiah 45.1-7) Trust God’s Heart (Isaiah 45.8) Stay Humble (Isaiah 45.9) Accept That Stuff Happens That Is not God’s Desire (Ezekiel 18.19-23) Develop the Guts to Absorb Evil (Isaiah 45.7)

1 Thessalonians 5.14-24Develop Intimacy with the Holy Spirit (16-19) (AFFECTIVE/cognitive)Love the Word (20-22) (COGNITIVE/affective) Don’t Quit (23-24) (Co-Operate in Your Own Healing) (Keep Working At It)

Proverbs 14.26-30 Admonish the Unruly Encourage the Fainthearted Help the Weak Stay for People by Processing Your Passions/Emotions Well

Imagine the Thessalonian Scenario Pursue Your Purpose (1 Thess 5.8-10; 23-24) Act Well (1 Thess 5.11-22) Encourage Each Other (11a) Build Each Other Up (11b) Value Both Leadership and Followership (12-13)

Ephesians 4:17-32 Webster Dictionary:to give up resentment of or claim to requital forto grant relief from payment ofto cease to feel resentment againstBerkley’s Website called the Greater Good Forgiveness makes us happier Forgiveness improves our health resistant to illness.Forgiveness sustains relationshipsForgiveness is good for marriages Forgiveness boosts kindness and connectednessForgiveness can help heal the wounds of WarWe are commanded to (Colossians 3:13)If we forgive we will be forgiven (Matthew 5:7)It frees us (Ephesians 4:27)God is the judge (Luke 6:37)God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Revelation 12.1-12 Rest in God’s Sacrificial LoveMake Your Voice Heard Reconvert Fear to Its Original PurposeBreak the Fear Loop!

1 Peter 3.8-17 F.A.C.E. Fear and Anxiety (7)Face FearAcknowledge the Truth vs. False BeliefConfront ThatExperience Fear’s PowerFalse Expectations Appearing RealFailure Expected Action RequiredDevelop Clear Thinking (8-9)BE a gracious, peaceful, joyful warrior (10-11)

1 Peter 5.1-11 Cultivate Caregiving Muscle (ACT) (1 Pet. 5.1-11)1. Encourage Others (1-4) A.Believe It’s Worth It (5.1) A.Take Positive Initiative (5.2b) A.Stop Needing to Fix People (5.3a) A. Start Fixing Yourself (5.3b-4)2. Accept the Sovereignty of God (5a)3. Gain Humility (5b-6)4. F.A.C.E. Fear and Anxiety (7) False Expectations Appearing Real Face Fear Acknowledge the Truth vs. False Belief Confront That Experience Fear’s Power

Proverbs 3.19-26 Gain a Courageous Heart (Prov. 3.19-26)(FEEL)Use Your Cognitive Tools (Prov. 1.1-7; Psalm 90.12)(THINK)Break the Fear Loop (ACT)Follow the Emotional Echo of Fear

2 Timothy 1.5-7 Confront Your Spirit of Timidity (2 Tim 1.5-7) Cultivate a Sincere Faith (1.5) Develop your potential (1.6) Use the tools that combat fear (1.7) (Power, Love, Self-Control)

Romans 8:1-17 We can get stuck in the past because of guilt and shame, which then creates fear to move forward. We get stuckorIt can be like driving a car forward, while looking in the rearview mirror. We will crash.

Matthew 6.22-23, 7.1-6 1. Get Over Yourself (1 Cor. 1-4)Commit to Personal Growth (1 Cor 2.14-15; 3.1-3)Build Others Up (1 Cor 3.11-17)Stop Ruminating (1 Cor 4.3-4)Stop Judging Motives (1 Cor 4.5)Show Humility & Biblical Restraint (1 Cor 4.6)Follow Jesus’ Process (Matt 6.22-23; 7.1-6)Exorcise the Scrutinizing Demon (7.1)‏Examine Your Standard (7.2)‏Accept Your Own Blind Spots (7.3-4)‏Pursue Personal Healing and Growth (7.5a)‏Make Sure You Are Being Helpful (7.5b)‏Know When to Stop Talking (7.6)‏

1 Corinthians 3.16-4.7 Get Over Yourself (1 Cor. 1-4) How Can I Get to a Better Place in My Decision Making and Discernment? A. Commit to Personal Growth (1 Cor 2.14-15; 3.1-3) B. Build Others Up (1 Cor 3.11-17) C. Stop Ruminating (1 Cor 4.3-4) D. Stop Judging Motives (1 Cor 4.5) E. Show Humility & Biblical Restraint (1 Cor 4.6)

2 Corinthians 7:2-13 Accept Your Human Affections See Guilt as a Diagnostic Tool (Rom. 2.15) Process Guilt and Sorrow Well (2 Cor. 7.2-10) Gain a Transformed Mind’s Fire (2 Cor. 7.11-13)

Psalm 34.1-5 Start Where Jesus Started (Isa. 61.1-7)Maintain the Proper Motivation (Ps. 34.1-5)Scorn Shame (Heb. 12.1-3)Keep Practicing! (Heb. 12.4-7)

Hebrews 11:32-12:8 Commune with God (2 Pet. 1.3-4)Celebrate Faith’s Joys (Heb. 11.32-35a)Confront Faith’s Shame (Heb. 11.35b-40)Conquer Yourself (Heb. 12.1-2)Commit to the Process of Discipline (Heb. 12.3-7)

2 Peter 1:1-15

TODAY: Cleanse Your Sanctuary (John 17.6-19) A.Gain a Clear Picture of God’s Heart (6-8)A.Protect What Jesus Was Passionate to Protect (9-14)A.Engage the World (15-16)A.Pursue Wholeness/Holiness (17-19)APPLICATION: Win the Battle for Your Heart

John 8.21-45 2. Know Thyself (Gen. 2.7, Prov. 20.27, Ps. 51.6)3. Reboot Your Operating System (Askings, Authority, Agency)4. Fight for True Freedom (John 8.21-45)Detect the Biggest Threat (21-24a)Connect with the ONE Who Can Save You (24b-30)Move from Intellect to Wisdom (31-32)Gain Freedom of BEING (33-36) “Being” is related to authority & agencyAsk Hard Questions: Is Your Heart “True”? (37-45)

Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7, 2:15-17 Can You . . . Recapture Contemplation and Wonder? Contemplate God’s Purpose (Gen. 1.26-28, Rev 4.11) Rediscover Exploration and Adventure? Explore Our Constitution (Gen. 2.7, Prov. 20.27, Ps. 51.6) Grapple with a High Purpose? (only if you . . .) Fulfill Our Mandate (Gen. 2.15-17) Reboot Your Operating System Start with the “AAA” Club 1. Askings How do you feel when you are being questioned? Does the inquisitor’s intent matter? What goes through your mind when someone else is asking you questions? 2. Authority 3. Agency

Luke 6.32-40 Guard Your Heart (21)Practice Compassionate Mercy (22)Act Like Jesus (23)Take risksShow prudent mercyHate sinAct Like God Is Bigger Than Your Failures (24-25)

Jude 1.17-25 Guard Your Heart (21) Practice Compassionate Mercy (22) Act Like Jesus (23) Act Like God Is Bigger Than Your Failures (24-25)

Jude 1.14-21 Maintain Enoch’s Focus (14-15) Train Yourself to Persevere (17-19) Master Your New Testament (17) Discern How Satan Discourages You (18-19) Exercise Your Faith (20a) Pray in the Holy Spirit (20b) Keep a Charitable Spirit (21a) Yearn for Mercy (21b)

Jude 1.9-16 Follow Michael’s example (9-10)Reject Ways of Woe (11)The Way of Cain (Genesis 4)(Victim Mentality, Spiritual Laziness)Balaam’s Error (Numbers 22-24, 31)(Greed, Using Human Weakness for Personal Gain)Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16)(Self-Promotion in the Church, Lack of Respect for Existing Leadership, Projection)Master Nine Signs of a Compromised Spirit (12-16)Fellowship w/o conviction, no conviction about fellowship (12a)Self-serving leadership, self-absorption (12b)Image without substance (12c)No grounding, not a rock, unable to really support others (13)Grumbling (16a)Fault finding, malcontents (16b)Impulsivity, inability to restrain oneself, addictions (16c)Ego (16d)Manipulative (16e)

Jude 1:1-10 Admit Humanity’s Patterns of Peril (1.5-7) Stop Denying Signs of Metastasizing (1.8-10) Follow Michael’s example (1.9)

Hebrews 4.9-16 Strive for Rest (9-11)Co-Operate with the Word (12-13)Master Confession (14)Celebrate Divine Sympathy (15) Gain Grace-Based Confidence (16)OR: Anxiety, Trapped Conscience, Negative Confession/Narrative, Judgment/Separation, Fear

Zephaniah. 3.9-20 Pursue Purity (9-10)Escape Shame (11)Clear the Path (12) Through Meekness, Humility, and TrustLose Your Demons (13)Wrongdoing, Lies, Deceit, and FearGain Your Reward (14-20)

Zephaniah. 1.14-2.3 Get Challenged, not Threatened (1.14-17)Discover Who Your Real Master Is (1.18) Fight for Deliverance (2.1-3)Gather with God’s PeopleIntend to Know God IntimatelyImplement Your Tools: Obedience, Righteousness, & Humility